The order mandates a shutdown of events and gatherings of more than 50 people.
With 177 cases of the COVID-19 virus in Ontario, Doug Ford has just declared a state of emergency in the province amid concerns of the outbreak. [Featured image: Premier of Ontario]
Following the closure of the Canadian border, the Ontario premier enacted the order that would shutdown organized public events of over 50 people.
Ontario declares state of emergency. Orders immediate closure of daycares, libraries, theatres, private schools, bars, indoor recreation centres. Restaurants confined to takeout and delivery, gatherings of more than 50 people banned. Order is effective to March 31.
This means prohibiting organized events of 50+ people and closing:
• Facilities providing recreational programs
• Libraries
• Private Schools
• Licensed child care centres
• Bars and restaurants (takeout and delivery permitted)
• Theatres, cinemas and concert venues— Doug Ford (@fordnation) March 17, 2020
“We’re facing an unprecedented time in our history. This is a decision that was not made lightly,” Ford said in a press conference this morning.
The order prohibits gatherings of more than 50 people. As such, the measure mandates the immediate closures of facilities that include: bars, cinemas, concert venues, daycares, libraries, dine-in restaurants, indoor recreation facilities, places of worship, and private schools. The measure, effective immediately, will stay in effect until March 31.
Our government is taking the necessary action to protect Ontarians and combat COVID-19 by declaring a State of Emergency up until March 31 2020. We are taking this extraordinary measure to ensure the health sector has every power possible to fight the spread of this virus.
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) March 17, 2020
Ontario citizens will still be able to order take-out and delivery from restaurants that offer such services.
“COVID-19 constitutes a danger of major proportions,” he said. “We must act decisively, we must not delay.” Ford stressed that the order is not a provincial shutdown.
“The vast majority of businesses including those most vital to day-to-day life will not be affected by this order.” As such, construction sites, grocery stores, manufactoring facilities, office buildings, pharmacies, public transit, and shopping malls are excluded from the mandate.
We have also announced the first stage of our COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package. Over $304 million has been committed to more beds, assessment centres, medical supplies and ensuring resources for northern, rural and remote communities.
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) March 17, 2020
“We need to do everything possible to spread of COVID-19 in order to avoid overwhelming our healthcare system…We must act decisively and we must not delay.”
For more information on how we are are working to keep you and your family safe please visit https://t.co/ec53bqrDD0 pic.twitter.com/YZA9Ol0feC
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) March 17, 2020
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